Thermostatically controlled device



May 12, 1936. J. A. SPENCER 2,040,762

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED DEVICE Filed April 9, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. I. 5 H4 9 J 4 ma 4 49 5/ mam 54 5/ 1 z DISPLACEMENT May 12, 1936. J. A. SPENCER 2,040,762

THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED DEVICE Filed April 9, 1934 v 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGS;

Patented May 12, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,040,762 THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED DEVICE John A. Spencer, Newtonville, Mass., assignor to General Plate Company, Attleboro, Mass}, a 'h corporation of Massachusetts R S S E Application April 9, 1934, Serial No. 719,704

4 Claims. (01. 158-1171) This invention relates to thermostatically convention, in principle, applies equally well to these trolled devices, and with regard to certain more and other types of control devices, but for purspecific features, to thermostatically controlled poses-of description, the application of the indevices such as valves and electric switches havvention to devices of those two characters will ing a manual reset mechanism. sufllce. I

Among the several objects of the invention may Referring now more particularly to 11- be noted the provision of a thermostatically conmeral' l indicates a valve body having an inlet 3 trolled device of the class described which perand an outlet 5 respectively. The body I includes forms an opening or closing function automatican internal chamber; which is divided by a 0118- m ally upon the attainment of a predetermined temtomary partition 6 into an inlet chamber 1 and perature condition but which is incapable of peran outlet chamber 9. The Partition 5 includes 10 forming the respective reverse function without an opening H, which provides a valve seat I3, manual actuation; the provision of a device of in t u l mannerthe class described which performs its automatic Extending in one direction from the valve function with a snap-action without the use of ins I at r t angles t t plane f t p n ns 15 latches, pivot points, o toggles thusoperating s a' y fi housing member Which with less friction and hence being more accurate inwardly terminates in r s p r i n Th in its response to temperature change; and th member I5 is closed at its outer end by athreaded provision of adevice of the class described which P The p has a Central threaded is relatively simple in construction and operation. Opening to receive the threaded Stem 0f 20 Other objects will be in part obvious and in part flexible bellows 2|. The relative position of the pointed out hereinafter. bellows 2| in the cylindrical member l5 may be The invention accordingly comprises the eleadjusted y threading the s 9 to and 011 ments and combinations of elements, features of Of the p A 100k nut 22 1101618 the bellows in 25 construction, and arrangements of parts which Position Once it is established- 25 will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter sealed to the 011118! end 0f the Stem is a described, and the scope of the application of so-called capillary metallic tube 23, which is sufwhich will be indicated in the following claims. fi y flexible Permit 0f its being bent, W t

In the accompanying drawings, in whi h r out breaking, during installation of the device. illustrated several of various possible embodi- To e other end of the tube 23 is afiixed a bulb ments of the invention, 25. The bulb 25, tube 23, stem 69 and bellows Fig. 1 is a longitudinal cross-section of a valve 2| ar all s a together n a s d ar a m nt, embodying the present invention; so that no leakage of a fluid in the system may Fig. 2 is a graphical presentation showing certake p tain force-displacement characteristics of an The bearing portio slidflbly receives a tem 35 actuating element of the valve-of Fig. 1; 21 to which is affixed valve closure element or disc Fig. 3 is a lateral cross-section taken substan- 29. The disc 29 is adapted to seat upon the valve tially along line 3-3 of Fig. 1; seat l3, in order to place the valve in closed con- Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a dition so that communication between inlet 3 P t on of Fig. 1; and outlet Sis cut off. The opposite end of. the

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-section of an valve stem 21 abuts the inner end 3! of the belelectric switch embodying the preesnt invention; lows 2|.

d On the opposite side of the valve casing is pro- Fig. 6 is a lateral cross-section taken substanvided a threaded opening 33 which is coaxial with tially along line 6-6 of Fig. 6. the cylindrical housing l5. Into the opening 33 45 Similar reference characters indicate correfits a threaded cap or plug 35, which outwardly sponding parts throughout the several views of terminates in a bearing portion 31. The bearing the drawings. 1 portion 31 includes a central opening 39 through The present invention applies to control dewhich slides a stem 4|. To the outer end of the vices of all types wherein a response is to be stem 4| is threaded a manually operative knob 5 made to temperature variations. Principal 43. The inner end of the stem 4| (see Fig. 5) is among such control devices are valves and elecdrilled and threaded to receive an adjustable tric switches, which accordingly constitute the threaded extension 45 which is unattached to but m re usual controlled or actuated elements fallabuts againstthe valve closure element 23 and is 1 5 ing within the scope-of the invention. The in locked after adjustment by alock nut 46. The extension 45 has a hexagonal portion 59 for convenience in adjusting and has a spherical and surface 52 for abutting against the valve closure element 29. The valve closure element 29 has a corresponding spherical depression 54.

The cap 35 is inwardly shaped to provide a cylindrical opening 41, which has an annular shoulder 49 near its bottom. Seated peripherally upon the shoulder 49 is a snap-acting corrugated disc 5|, which comprises in effect an actuator for the valve assembly. The disc 5! is preferably made in accordance with the teachings of my copending patent application, Serial No. 653,702, filed January 26, 1933, for Snap acting devices, now Patent No. 1,972,172, granted September 4, 1934. It comprises (see also Fig. 3) a disc of resilient metal, such as spring brass, steel or the like, which is provided with a relatively large number of radial corrugations 53, a central opening 55, and a flat uncorrugated rim portion 51. It is the flat rim portion 51 that seats upon the shoulder 49. The disc 5| is initially formed in such manner that its general shape is slightly conical in one direction. As a result of the initial shaping of the disc, it may be over-centered by applying a force to occupy a conformation of conicity in the opposite direction.

The disc 5| is distinctive in its characteristic curve for the applied force against the displacement, which is-shown in Fig. 2. While this curve is described in more detail in my said Patent No. 1,972,172, it will also be described herein, but only to the extent necessary to enable a full understanding of the present invention.

Considering zero displacement to represent the conformation of the disc as it is initially shaped. and considering the distance through which the central portion of the disc travels in over-centering as a finite positive displacement, the curve indicated by numeral 59 in "Fig. 2 represents the characteristic displacement to be had for increasing applied forces. Following the curve 59 from the origin, it will be noted that at first relatively little displacement is obtained as the applied over-centering force is increased until said force builds up to a value )1. However, the instant after the force I1 has, been achieved, displacement will increase rapidly even under an applied force less than the value of ii. That is to say, in the portion of the curve 59 immediately beyond its first crest, the displacement increases with a decreasing applied force, which is, of course, contrary to the ordinary type of spring, which obeys Hookes law. Thus, the force maybe gradually decreased along values determined by the curve 59, with the displacement none the less increasing. This action continues until the force has diminished to a value 12. Thereafter, according to the curve 59, it is again necessary to increase the applied force in order to procure an increased displacement. The portion of the displacement to the right of 12 on the curve is not used, the disc being stopped from being displaced further by the inside surface of the cap 35. If the force I1 is applied by a resilient spring or by a resilient thermostatic element, such as the bellows 2 I, having a force displacement curve with a slope less than that of the curve of Figure 2 between f1 and I2. an accelerated movement or snap of the center of the disc will occur from the 11 to the f2 position.

quires a relatively large force II to initiate any considerable degree of displacement. But once the force II has been reached, the applied force may be diminished and the displacement will still be increased. The force 12 will be sufficient to hold the disc in a position of comparatively great displacement, although a larger force f1 has been necessary to get the disc to such a displacement. For purposes oi brevity, the Fig. 1 position of the disc with the displacement less than that corresponding to a force 11 will hereinafter be termed the position of absolute stability" of the disc, and the position of the disc in its displaced position under the force 12 will be called the position of comparative stability. The peculiar application of this type of disc in the 'valve of the present invention will be made apparent hereinafter.

Returning to Fig. 1, it will be seen that a nut or collar 5| is threaded on the stem 4| in a position to be abutted by the inner periphery of the disc 5|. The nut 6|, also provides one abutment for a flexible diaphragm 53. The diaphragm 63 is clamped against the nut 6| by a second nut 65 so that a leak-proof Joint between the diaphragm 63 and the stem 4| is afiforded. The outer periphery of the diaphragm 63 is tightly clamped against the inner surface of the cap 35 by means of a rim or plug member 61, which is forced into its position. Thus, leakage through the mechanism enclosed within the cap 35 is prevented.

In order to prevent the stem 4| from turning in the bearing 31, the stem 4| is provided with a longitudinal groove 69, into which fits a pin I or key 1| radially disposed in the bearing portion 31. Groove 59 permits longitudinal motion of the stem 4| but prohibits rotative motion thereof.

The nuts 45, BI, and 55 are initially so adjusted that the resilient force of the disc 5|, when in its position of absolute stability, is brought to bear upon the stern 4| in such manner as to tightly seat the valve closure element 29 upon the valve seat l3. The spring reaction of the disc 5| is between the nut BI and the shoulder 49.

The operation of the valve as thus described is asfollows:

The system comprising the bellows 2| and bulb 25 is filled with a fluid or gas or the like which undergoes considerable volume change upon change of temperature. The choice of the fluid or gas to be used depends upon the range of temperature in which the device is to be used. Argon, for example, has been found best in the present instance because of the high temperature at which it is desired to operate the bulb. Argon is an inert gas even at high temperatures and the walls of the container are less permeable to it than .to other inert gases. Under what will hereinafter be termed cold" conditions, the volume of the fluid is such that the end 3| of the bellows 2| exerts a force substantially less than 12 upon the stem 21. This adjustment may be effected by loosening the nut 22 and rotating the threaded stem II to regulative the longitudinal position of the bellows 2| in the cylindrical housing l5, and thereafter retightening the nut 22.

If the bulb 25 is now heated, as by a pilot flame indicated by numeral 13, the fluid in the system will expand and tend to move the end 3| of the bellows 2| into the valve assembly in order to relieve the increased volume due to the heat.

The adjustment of the bellows 2| in the housing i5, however, is so arranged that under normal closing the valve.

ates upon the same basic principles.

temperature conditions the inward force of the bellows 2| is never permitted to build up to the value fl for the particular disc 5| used, although a force slightly exceeding f2 is reached.

If, now, the bulb 25 is in its heated condition, and the knob 43 is manually grasped and pulled (to theleft in Fig. 1), the manual force will over-center the disc 5| to its position of comparative stability, and the force supplied by the pressure of the bellows 3| will be suflicient to hold said disc 5| in its position of comparative stability and hence hold the valve open. When, now, the pilot flame 13 goes out, the fluid in the bulb 25 cools and the pressure of the bellows 2| is relieved. This means that the force supplied by the bellows 2| decreases below the value f2. Therefore the disc 5| will at once return to its position of absolute stability, at the same time bulb-'25, as by reignition of the burner 13, will not provide sufficient force again to open the valve by itself, but manual pulling of the knob 43 is necessary. I I

A particular advantage of a valve constructed in this manner is the promptness with which it may be said to go 01f immediately after the flame 13 has been extinguished. It will be understood that the action of the fluid in the bulb 25 is essentially a thermostatic one, that is, control is effected in accordance with the temperature of the fluid. Now,. with all snap-acting thermostatic devices there is present what is known as an operating differential. That is to say, on decreasing temperature, an action will be performed when a temperature, say 100 is achieved, while on increasing temperature with the same device, a contrary action will be achieved with a temperature of say 150. The difference between these values (e. g., represents what is spoken of as the operating diiferential of the thermostat. Now, in connection with safety devices of the type herein concerned, it is desirable that the operating temperature differential be reduced to an absolute minimum, for it is advantageous, of course, to shut oil the flow of gas immediately upon extinguishment of the pilot burner. The valve described is so designed that thermostatic operation is had only upon the lower value of the two limit figures going to make a temperature differential. The upper value is, for practical purposes, beyond reach, and is replaced by the manual actuation of the valve to open position.

Thus, the valve as described may be adjusted so that the normal temperature induced by the pilot flame 13 is just sufiicient to provide a force at the bellows 2| which very slightly exceeds the value i2 for the particular disc 5| employed. Then, almost instantaneously after the flame 13 is extinguished the slight drop of temperature in the bulb 25 is suflicient to cause the pressure in the bellows 2| to decrease below the value f2 and hence cause the valve to close.

lit is desirable that the disc 58 be so mounted that its motion in the valve-seating direction is limited to the extent that the maximum force (f1) presses the valve closure element 29 against its seat I3 thus providing a good pressure for holding the valve closed.

The invention, when applied to an electric switch as the controlled or actuated element, oper- For ex ample, Figures 5 and 6 show the adaptation of the invention to an electric switch for use in the same type of circuits as the valve embodiments described. The embodiment shown In Figures 5 Subsequent heating of the.

- scribed).

and 6 is in many respects similar to the valve embodiment of Fig. 1, insofar as the thermal actuating element is concerned.

Referring to Fig. 5, it will be seen that a body member indicated generally by numeral I2I is provided, comprising a cylindrical bellows housing I5 joined by two arms I23 to a circular base portion I25. The housing I5, which is similar in all re spects to the housing I5 in Fig. 1, contains the bellows 2I,.and is closed by a plug or cap I1, into which the stem I9 of the bellows 2| is threaded. Other details are like the Fig. 1 embodiment described.-

The circular base portion I25 has in the outer face thereof, a circular depression I21. The edge of the depression I21 is provided with an annular shoulder I29, against which rests the flat rim 51 of the radially corrugated disc 5| (identical, in itself, to the discs of the valve embodiment de- Fitted against the outer face of the base I25, and secured in-place by screws I3I, is a circular block'of insulating material I33, which has a central depression I35 which, in assembly,

I faces the depression I21 in the wall I25 and thus provides a cylindrical chamber in which the disc 5| can snap. An annular rim or projection I31 for the depression I35 fits against and clamps the fiat rim 51 of the disc 5| loosely in position against the shoulder I29.

The center of the base I25 is provided with a bushing |39, which threadedly receives a hollow plug or nipple |4I having a polygonal head I43 for turning it. A look nut I45 secures the plug MI in position once it has been adjusted.

Passing through a central bearing hole I41 in the block I33, the central hole of the disc 5!, and the hollow plug MI, is a main stem I49 similar, in many respects, to the stem 21 of the Fig. l embodiment. The stem I49 has a forward portion I5I of reduced diameter, and is threaded at its end to receive the manual control knob 43. A threaded portion I53 receives nuts I55, the purpose of which will be made clear hereinafter. A smooth portion I51 slides in the hole I41, and passes through the central hold 55 of disc 5|. The remainder of the stem I49 is threaded as at numeral I59, and carries a washer I6I held tight against the shoulder formed by the reduction in size from smooth portion I51, by a nut I63. The

washer Ifii forms an abutment for the edges of disc 5! whereby it is operatively connected to the stem E49. The adjustable nipple I4I, against which the other side of washer I6| abuts, will thus be seen to comprise a movement-limiting adjustable stop for the disc 5|, perfo-ming in th s respect an analogous function to that of the adjustable screw 45 of the Fig. 1 embodiment. I

At the extreme end of the stem I49 is provided a long nut I65, which is locked against movement by a nut I61. The nut I extends beyond the end of the stem I49 for adjustment and extends through a hole I69 in the end-wall I23 and is in position to be abutted by, and hence susceptible to the movement of, the bellows 2|.

The electrical elements of the switch are shown more clearly in Fig. 6. They comprise a pair oi terminal pieces "I and I13 which are mounted.

of resilient metal, the free end of which carries a universally-jointed. contact button I", and which is provided with a hole I9 to receive the stem I49. The lock nuts I bear against the outer side of strip or lever Il'l. ton I89 is of such size, and so positioned, as to move into and out of contact with the terminalpiece projections I15 and I'll, whereby the switch makes and breaks connections.

A projection I93 from the base portion I25 carries a bushing I made 0! insulating material, through which bushing I are passed the wires for making connections to the switch. A cupshaped cover I91 (with a notch to accommodate the projections I93) fits on the casing I II and completely encloses the working parts of the switch. Only the manual knob 43 passes through the cover I91. The operation of this embodiment of the invention is similar to that 01' the embodiment heretoiore described, with the exception that electrical switching elements, in place of valve elements, are the primary actuated means. Normal position, with the switch disconnected, is shown in the drawings, and the actuating disc Si is then in its convex-to-the-right position. This is also the position of absolute stability of the disc. The actual displacement of the disc to the right (and hence its operating resistance) is controlled by adjusting the position of the plug I.

When, now, the knob 43 is grasped and pulled to the left (Fig. 5), the disc Si is overcentered to its position of comparative stability, in which position it is held it the pressure of the bellows II (and hence theexternal temperature) is high enough to exceed the value )2 of the chart, Fig. 2. If the temperature drops sufliciently, the pressure of the bellows 2i decreases below the value 12, and thereupon thedisc snaps back to its position of absolute stability. When the disc is in its position of absolute stability, the switch is open, button IIObeing out of bridging-relation with respect to the projections I15 and I". When, however, the disc Si is in its position of comparative stability, the contact button I89 bridges or connects the projections I15 and Ill, and connections are thus'made. Automatic opening of the switch takes place in the same manner, and for the same reason, as the automatic closing of the valves hereinbefore described. It will readily be apparent, however, that the order of the positions 01' the disc with relation to the position or condition of the contact elements might be reversed, should the occasion demand.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention areachieved and other advantageous results attained.

The contact but- As many changes could be made in carrying out the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it isintended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A temperature controlled device comprising actuated control means, actuating means for said control means, said actuating means comprising a radially corrugated snap-acting resilient metal disc having a position of absolute stability and a position of comparative stability, and'being characterized in that the force required to initiate movement 01' said disc from its position of absolute stability to its position of comparative stability is greater than the force required to maintain said disc in its position of comparative stability, thermally responsive means comprising a bulb and bellows unit positioned to react upon said actuating means and, under proper thermal conditions, to supply the force necessary to maintain said disc in itsposition o1 comparative stability,

said thermally responsive means, however, being 25 incapable, under normal temperature variations, of supplying a force sufilciently great toinitiate movement of the discirom its position oi! absolute stability to its position of comparative stability,

and manually operable meansior supplying sui'- 30 rlcient force to move said disc from its position of absolute stability to its position of comparative stability.

2. A temperature controlled device as set forth in claim 1 in which the actuated control means 35 comprises a valve closure element, and in which the actuating means operates on one side of said element, while the thermally responsive means operates on the other side of said element.

3. A temperature controlled device as set forth in claim 1 in which the actuated control means having a stem extending trombone side thereof,,

bearing means for said stem, said thermally responsive means operating on the remote end of said stem, while said actuating means operates on the opposite face of said element.

JOHN A. SPENCER. 

